Florida 500

Welcome to the 2023 edition of the Florida 500, a special publication that highlights the 500 most influential executives in different economic sectors throughout the state. This immense, year-long research initiative by the editors of Florida Trend has resulted in a personal, engaging look at the state’s most influential business leaders.

See a full list of 2023’s Influentials

See a list of Categories

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The most-asked question about the Florida 500 each year: When’s the deadline for nominations? We’re glad to have nominations at any point, but the nominations portal opens with the publication of each new edition and will close by the end of March. Those who wish to suggest someone should read the publication to get a sense of what we’re looking for.

We don’t include current elected officials. We don’t include more than three people from any single firm. Advertising plays no role in our selections.You can nominate yourself or ask someone to do it for you — though we prefer nominees fill the questionnaire themselves. We look for more than just big titles and big organizations in making selections.

What distinguishes Florida 500 honorees is demonstrated impact beyond their companies, and we place a high premium on community service and philanthropy. We look for individuals to whom others in their communities or industry sectors turn to for leadership or who set a standard for best practices in their sector.

Not everyone named to the Florida 500 has sought to be there, but through our reporting and conversations with business leaders we understand the impact they are making. We also understand that others will feel they should be included, and we encourage reapplications. We hope you enjoy this year’s edition.

Lessons Through Leadership
Publisher’s Letter

What Makes a Legend
Editor’s Letter

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The 2023 Florida 500 print edition is now available The editorial staff of Florida Trend recognizes Florida’s most influential business leaders spanning across more than 60 business categories. The editorial selection of the 500 executives was based on extensive contacts in regional business circles, hundreds of interviews and months of research, culminating in a highly selective biographical guide to the people who really run Florida.

Fill out my online form.

We are currently accepting recommendations for the 2024 Florida 500 issue until April 5.

To share an influential business leader recommendation with the editorial staff of Florida Trend – please complete and submit the information form.

All recommendations will be viewed and considered, but final selection will be made by Florida Trend’s executive editorial team.

The 500 executives are selected based on extensive contacts in regional business circles, multiple interviews, months of research, culminating in a highly selective biographical guide to the people who really run Florida.

Now, in its seventh year, the Florida 500 is the product of year-long research initiative by the editors of Florida Trend resulting in a personal, engaging look at the state’s most influential business leaders across major industries.

Florida Trend’s
Florida 500
490 First Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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